<p>I generally book either through Priceline or by calling the hotel directly.
However something came up and I was trying to find a room for this weekend, when everything was booked. ( or mostly- except for the places I really don’t want to stay).
Then I tried TripAdvisor which linked to Orbitz and Travelocity.
They both indicated there was a room available at one of the hotels I had called.
( it wasn’t any cheaper than hotels regular rate, so I am assuming it wasn’t the furnace room)
So I am confused. I actually went ahead and booked the room, but will it be there when I get there?</p>
<p>I’ve used both (orbitz, travelocity) and I’ve found them reliable. I always call directly to the hotel anyway, though. Sometimes they give you an even better discount if it’s off season. But you have to ask usually.</p>
<p>Sometimes the online rates are cheaper on the hotel websites (as opposed to calling the hotel) or they may have “package pricing” online, which may include hotel parking, breakfast, etc. I have never had any problems with Orbitz. I’ve booked through them for hotels, rental cars, and even a couple of cruises.</p>
<p>I wasn’t worried about the costs, but availability.
I called the hotel and they were full.
But Travelocity booked me a room.</p>
<p>Travelocity, Orbitz, and the like get room blocks. If they booked you a room, it should be there when you arrive. I’m headed to Boston this weekend for my D’s graduation. I am also a little “fearful” of not having a room in a sold-out city full of colleges all having graduation during the same time frame.</p>
<p>I’ve used Orbitz and Expedia for years. However I prefer to use hotel sites, as reservations are not paid for with booking, unless there is a special deal to do so. Last minute cancel options can be nice. But…sometimes I call the hotel, as I’ve heard it can be a cheaper price, and am told I’ll get the best deals on line. So that is how I usually book.</p>
<p>One thing I always do when I know a hotel is going to be full is that I always call if I’m going to arrive after 6 p.m. or so to let them know I’ll be there and what time. Your room is supposed to be guaranteed by your cc but if they are overbooked and you don’t arrive until 11 p.m. or midnight, I know people who have not gotten rooms.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Great suggestion. I always do this as well, even with an advance CC payment.</p>
<p>That is good to know- in this case it is only 90 minutes away, so we should be good.
:)</p>